Language Arts and Humanities Division
The Language Arts and Humanities division is committed to connecting students to their colleagues, community, and the world by teaching academic communication, creative writing, visual expression, and the human experience through the humanities, arts, and literature.
What is possible with a Language Arts and Humanities degree?
Language Arts and Humanities is a broad field focused on communication, writing, culture, history, critical thinking, languages, and human experiences. While some careers require a bachelor's degree or graduate education, a community college pathway can help you build transferable skills and enter entry-level roles in education, communications, government, nonprofit work, business, media, and public service.
An Associate of Arts (AA) in Language Arts, English, Humanities, Liberal Arts, or General Studies is often designed as a transfer degree toward a bachelor's degree.
Language Arts and Humanities Careers in Oklahoma
| Career | Community College Starting Point | Typical Oklahoma Salary Range* | Education Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant | AA/Liberal Arts | ~$35,000–$50,000 | Associate often sufficient |
| Communications Assistant | AA → Bachelor's preferred | ~$40,000–$65,000 | Associate/Bachelor's |
| Technical Writer | AA → Bachelor's/certifications helpful | ~$55,000–$90,000 | Bachelor's typical |
| Copywriter/Content Specialist | AA → Portfolio + experience | ~$45,000–$80,000 | Associate/Bachelor's |
| Paralegal | AA + paralegal certificate | ~$45,000–$70,000 | Associate/certificate |
| Interpreter/Translator | Language training + certification | ~$40,000–$75,000 | Varies |
| Teacher (English/Language Arts) | AA → Bachelor's + certification | ~$45,000–$65,000 | Bachelor's required |
| Librarian/Information Specialist | AA → Bachelor's/Master's | ~$40,000–$75,000 | Advanced education often needed |
| Public Relations Specialist | AA → Bachelor's | ~$50,000–$85,000 | Bachelor's typical |
| Editor | AA → Bachelor's/experience | ~$45,000–$80,000 | Bachelor's typical |
*Salary ranges are approximate Oklahoma estimates and vary by location, experience, employer, and education level. Sources include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Communications Specialist
Typical entry point: Associate degree → bachelor's recommended
What they do
- Write newsletters, web content, and announcements
- Support public relations efforts
- Manage social media content
- Communicate organizational messages
Employers
- Businesses
- Universities
- Government agencies
- Healthcare organizations
- Nonprofits
Qualifications
- Strong writing portfolio
- Communication skills
- Digital media experience
- Familiarity with content management systems
Skills
- Writing and editing
- Research
- Social media
- Presentation skills
- Audience analysis
- Organization
Career progression
Communications Assistant → Communications Specialist → Communications Manager → Director of Communications
Technical Writer
Typical entry point: Associate degree + technical skills; bachelor's often preferred
What they do
- Create instruction manuals
- Write procedures and training materials
- Translate complex information into clear language
Employers in Oklahoma
- Aerospace companies
- Energy companies
- Healthcare organizations
- Technology firms
- Government contractors
Helpful skills
- Professional writing
- Editing
- Research
- Documentation software
- Basic technical knowledge
Career progression
Technical Writer → Senior Technical Writer → Documentation Manager
Paralegal / Legal Assistant
Typical entry point: Associate degree + paralegal certificate
What they do
- Prepare legal documents
- Conduct legal research
- Organize case files
- Assist attorneys
Employers
- Law firms
- Courts
- Government agencies
- Corporate legal departments
Qualifications
- Paralegal studies certificate
- Strong writing and research skills
- Attention to detail
Skills
- Legal research
- Writing
- Organization
- Confidentiality
- Critical thinking
Career progression
Legal Assistant → Paralegal → Senior Paralegal → Legal Operations Specialist
Teacher (English Language Arts)
Typical pathway
Community college AA → Bachelor's in English Education → Oklahoma teaching certification
What they do
- Teach reading, writing, literature, and communication
- Create lessons and assessments
- Support student learning
Work settings
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Career and technical education programs
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Teacher preparation program
- Oklahoma teaching certification
Skills
- Communication
- Classroom management
- Creativity
- Leadership
- Mentoring
Career progression
Teacher → Department Chair → Instructional Coach → Principal
Content Writer / Copywriter
Typical entry point: Associate degree + portfolio
What they do
- Write marketing materials
- Create website content
- Develop advertisements and campaigns
- Produce blog and social media content
Employers
- Marketing agencies
- Businesses
- Universities
- Nonprofits
Important skills
- Writing style flexibility
- SEO basics
- Research
- Editing
- Creativity
Career progression
Writer → Content Strategist → Marketing Manager
Interpreter and Translator
Typical entry point: Language coursework + certification (depending on role)
What they do
- Translate written materials
- Interpret conversations
- Support communication between languages
Employers
- Healthcare systems
- Courts
- Schools
- Government agencies
Helpful credentials
- Language proficiency testing
- Medical interpreter certification
- Court interpreter certification
Skills
- Fluency
- Cultural awareness
- Listening
- Accuracy
- Confidentiality
Public Relations Specialist
Typical pathway
AA → Bachelor's in Communications/Public Relations
What they do
- Manage public image
- Write press releases
- Coordinate events
- Communicate with media
Employers
- Corporations
- Universities
- Government
- Nonprofits
Skills
- Writing
- Relationship building
- Crisis communication
- Social media
- Strategic thinking
Library and Information Careers
Entry pathway
Community college → bachelor's → master's (for librarian roles)
Possible careers:
- Library assistant
- Archives assistant
- Information specialist
- Librarian (usually requires MLS/MLIS)
Skills
- Research
- Organization
- Technology
- Customer service
- Information management
Further Education & Certifications
- Associate of Arts in English
- Associate of Arts in Humanities
- Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
- Associate of Arts in Communication
- Foreign Language coursework
- Paralegal certificate
- Technical writing certificates
- Digital marketing certificates
- Google Analytics certification
- Adobe Creative Cloud skills
- Grant writing certificates
- Paralegal certification
- Teaching certifications
Common bachelor's pathways:
- English
- Communications
- Journalism
- History
- Philosophy
- Foreign Languages
- Education
- Public Relations
- Political Science
For advanced careers:
- Master of Arts in English
- Master of Education
- Master of Library and Information Science
- Law school (JD)
- Master of Public Administration
- Graduate programs in communications
Job Market Outlook in Oklahoma
Language Arts and Humanities graduates often succeed by combining communication skills with another area, such as:
- Business + writing → marketing, HR, communications
- English + technology → technical writing
- Language skills + healthcare → medical interpreting
- History/political science + public service → government careers
- English + education → teaching
Demand is strongest for roles requiring:
- Strong writing ability
- Digital communication skills
- Research skills
- Public engagement
- Training and documentation
The broader professional and communications job market continues to need workers who can explain complex information clearly, manage content, and support organizations' public-facing work.
Choosing a Language Arts & Humanities Path
- Writing and storytelling
- Reading and research
- Working with people and ideas
- Communication and creativity
- Understanding culture and society
Strong combinations for career flexibility:
- English + Business → Marketing, HR, Management
- English + Technology → Technical Writing, UX Writing
- English + Education → Teaching
- Language Studies + Healthcare → Medical Interpreter
- Humanities + Government → Public Service
- Choose an AA program that transfers well to a four-year university.
- Build a writing portfolio (essays, articles, projects, presentations).
- Develop digital skills (Microsoft Office, web publishing, social media, basic data tools).
- Seek internships or volunteer experience in schools, nonprofits, businesses, or government.
- Consider pairing humanities coursework with a practical specialty or certification.
Division Chair